I found myself buying a six pack of lager (or what it pilsner?) because of the name, Churchkey, and the little bit of schwag--a "churchkey" (beer can opener--I love the term) with Churchkey written on it.I always buy the weirdest stuff pre-burningman. Often with the shrug-I-can-give-it-away attitude. well, I guess that along with everything else, the event shows us at our most ourselves...What lures you into spending money that you might not otherwise spend?

The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

I do this too as the event approaches. I go into a store looking for a specific thing, like a string of lights, and go into a weird fugue state and emerge an hour later with no string lights . . . but 2 pairs of fingerless gloves, several noisemakers, and 8 bags of weird craft stuff the cashier had to tally via witchcraft. Or, go in somewhere seeking a specific kind of canned beer (which I ultimately cannot find) and leave with an extra back-up bag of Chex Mix, more milk boxes than is strictly necessary, and a small tin of lobster paté I will be afraid to eat when the time comes.

*** 2017 Survival Guide ***"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger

Today I went after fresh sinblock in the commissary, and came away with two bags of puffed rice crackers in new flavors (and Mio energy and tasty bites for Genius). In the package store I picked up a dozen Underground mini-bottles. Underground is an herbal liquor made here in Ogden (same folks who do Five Wives) and you can only get mini-bottles on base. I figured they would be a good gift. And I found a WindWhistle in the uniform shop, it will even blow underwater. Also a gift.

I think I'm having the opposite reaction. Since I'm flying in from ATL, the reality of how much shit I impulse bought a month ago is starting to dawn on me. I gotta carry this crap on the plane! Purchases have ceased. Packing is primary concern.

"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly

For me (first burn) the big impulse buys were probably a yard of orange faux fur (I think I'll be using about half of it this year) and literally every fraking battery. The rope (for hexayurt bondage) with a 1200lb working limit was possibly overkill too.

I don't consider the hundred feet of EL wire and assorted drivers to be an impulse purchase.

OMG There is just no more room. If I can get the rest of the dragon in the motor home it will be completely full. If I get over the mountains with the weight it will be a miracle. Food will be the only items I can be impulsive about. Bacon, bacon, and more bacon. I fear the inspectors will not even be able to get in the motor home let alone inspect it!!! Can't wait to get dusty! Mama

I'm so unprepared this year, I normally do the same, go into a trance while in a store and walk about with a bunch of random shit that I somehow put together to form a coherent...something for the playa. This year? I haven't bought a goddamned thing yet. I'm sure I'll stock up on last-minute baubles and bangles this weekend.

i impulsively bought 4 very colorful underwire bras today even tho i never wear underwires much less colorful in the default world. too self conscious for pasties so this is as close as i can get to letting it all hang out (with a bit of a lift that is).

There are 2 dates on your tombstone and all you're friends will read 'em, but the only thing that matters is that little dash between 'em. - Kevin Welch

I almost bought another tent, because it was on sale, and it looked cool. I stopped myself, but did purchase a caribiner water bottle hanger. I seem to buy batteries whenever I see them too. I cleaned my car out and found 3 forgotten packages of batteries. Last year, I bought some swim goggles on sale. because... I dont' know, they are clear, small, and it's the dollar deals, the dollar deals. I still need to go get sodas and snacks, and toy snacks. The toy snacks are things generally from Trader Joes, that will be fun to bring out since I've never tried them, and they seem interesting.

Savannah wrote:I do this too as the event approaches. I go into a store looking for a specific thing, like a string of lights, and go into a weird fugue state and emerge an hour later with no string lights . . . but 2 pairs of fingerless gloves, several noisemakers, and 8 bags of weird craft stuff the cashier had to tally via witchcraft.

I do this in the real world. Went into a shop to buy my daughter's second grade piano book and walked out instead with a mandolin and a banjo.

BM buying even worse... Thankfully limited by coming from a far distant land, and having to restrict my luggage loads...